US retail sales rise for 3rd month amid COVID-19 pandemic but slowdown expected

The gains of the past three months have now restored retail purchases to their levels before they plunged in March and April when the pandemic shuttered businesses and paralyzed the economy.

3 arrested in attack on teenage Chili's worker enforcing coronavirus rules, police say

The 17-year-old hostess told news outlets she was working at a Baton Rouge Chili’s last weekend when a party of 11 people arrived and wanted to be seated together.

Coronavirus capable of traveling 16 feet, according to Univ. of Florida researchers

Researchers at the University of Florida have conducted a study that shows coronavirus can travel up to 16 feet, and that it is still capable of infection at that distance. The team said their findings "strengthen the notion that airborne transmission of viable SARS-CoV-2 is likely and plays a critical role in the spread of COVID-19.”

CDC says masks with exhalation valves do not prevent spread of COVID-19

The CDC updated its guidance on facial coverings, warning people against wearing masks with exhalation valves or vents, saying they allow air to exhale from the masks, potentially transmitting infectious respiratory droplets to others.

Study: Wearing neck gaiters as mask may increase risk of COVID-19 spread

A recent study by Duke University researchers showed that while some masks are effective in helping prevent COVID-19 spread, others — like neck gaiters — do not appear to provide much benefit, and could potentially increase the risk of spreading the coronavirus through respiratory droplets.

Mesquite dad, son say public COVID-19 test site slow to deliver results

A Mesquite father and son who were supposed to get their COVID-19 tests back in three days or less have not heard anything for more than five days.

Biden calls for nationwide COVID-19 mask mandate

Joe Biden is calling for a nationwide protective mask mandate, citing health experts' predictions that it could save 40,000 lives from coronavirus over the next three months. 

Texas surpasses 9,000 virus deaths as testing remains low

Texas surpassed 9,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths Wednesday while testing again dropped to the lowest levels since June, and infection rates hit another record.